Town Government
TOWN GOVERNMENT
The Town of Fletcher operates under a council-manager form of government, which is determined by its charter. More than 3,700 cities and counties across the United States operate under this type of system. Since its establishment, the council-manager form has become the most popular form of government in the U.S. in communities of 5,000 citizens or more.
Under the council-manager system, Fletcher Town Council provides leadership by establishing the Town’s policies. They are the leaders and policy makers elected to represent the community and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens’ needs.
Fletcher Town Council appoints a town manager to help achieve the plans set by the Town Council. The manager oversees the day-to-day town operations and executes Council established laws and policies. The town manager also ensures that the entire community is being served.
Role of Town Council
Town Council is the legislative body, passing ordinances and resolutions on behalf of the community they represent. Council approves the budget and sets the tax rate. The Council also focuses on the community’s goals, major projects and such long-term considerations as community growth, land-use development, capital improvement plans, and strategic planning. The council hires a professional manager to carry out the administrative responsibilities and supervises the manager’s performance.
Role of the Mayor
The Mayor presides over Council meetings, serves as a spokesperson for the community, facilitates communication and understanding between elected and appointed officials, assists the council in setting goals and advocating policy decisions, and serves as a promoter of the community. In addition, the Mayor serves as a key representative in intergovernmental relations. When Town Council votes on issues, the Mayor only casts a vote in tie-breaking situations.
Role of the Town Manager
The town manager is hired to serve the Town Council and community. Professional town managers bring to the local government the benefits of training and experience in administering government projects and programs on behalf of the governing body. The manager prepares a budget for Council’s consideration; recruits, hires and supervises the government’s staff; serves as the Council’s chief advisor; and carries out the Council’s policies. Council members and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, the pros and cons of alternatives and long-term consequences. The manager makes recommendations to the Council, but the Council may or may not adopt them and may modify the recommendations. The manager is bound by whatever action Town Council takes.
